Electron impact excitation of atoms and molecules
Electron impact excitation of atoms, ions and molecules is the key elementary process which determines the most plasma properties. Electron impact excitation participates in the establishment of plasma equilibrium and in the formation of the distribution function of plasma and bound electrons. It defines the plasma emission and broadening of the spectral line. Electron impact excitation of molecules in repulsive states causes the dissociation and governs the concentration of various types of atomic particles. Electron impact excitation of metastable state leads to the formation of population inversion, stimulated emission and therefore lasing. In the case of electron-molecule collision there are vibrational and rotational excitations which can play important role under certain conditions.
- Excitation of an atom
- Rotational excitation of molecules
- Vibrational excitation of molecules
- Electronic excitation of molecules
- Electron impact dissociation of molecule
Examples:
Electron impact excitation of Mg (3s1So-3p1P1)
Electron impact dissociation of SF molecule
Dissociative attachment and vibrational excitation
Electron-impact excitation of inter-combined transitions in atoms
Electron-impact excitation of dipole-forbidden transitions in atoms
Electron-impact excitation of dipole-allowed transitions in molecules
